Top tamales in Texas

‘Tis the season for tamales! Whether you prefer yours savory or sweet, meat-filled or vegetarian, wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves – the best gift anyone can unwrap (or give) this holiday season is undoubtedly a warm, fluffy tamal. 

Homemade is undeniably the best, but let’s face it, making tamales requires a lot of time and effort, which is why this Mesoamerican dish is as sacred as it is complex. In Texas, with its history and makeup of many Latinx cultures and influences, tamales are now embraced by many non-Latinx families as a holiday tradition. And local eateries have taken note, working overtime to meet the growing demand for more tamales! Tamales! Tamales!

In Texas, there are more than 1500 business search results for “tamales” on Yelp. Options abound between Mexican-style, Salvadoran-style, Veracruz-style chanchamitos, Nicaraguan nacatamales – and yes, vegans have options, too. Tamales are plentiful in Texas and on Yelp, so we rounded up the most talked about tamales in the Lone Star State. Dine in, take out, opt for delivery, or – from some local businesses – there’s nationwide shipping. 

Read on, as Yelp announces the top 25 spots for tamales in all of Texas! 

Methodology: This is an all-time list through December 1, 2021 of the top tamales in Texas, according to Yelp. We identified businesses in the restaurants and food categories, then ranked those spots using a number of factors including the total volume and ratings of reviews. When available, all businesses on the list have a passing health score as of December 1, 2021.

1. Tommy Tamale Market & Cafe – Grapevine
2. Delia’s – McAllen
3. Pennie’s Tex-Mex Take Out – Galveston
4. Tamalería Nuevo León – Richardson
5. B & B Tamales and Food To Go – San Antonio

6. Limon’s Restaurant – Dallas
7. Tamales Don Pepe – Houston
8. Caroline’s Kitchen – Spring
9. Del Rio Tortilla Factory – San Antonio
10. Becerra’s Tex-Mex Tamales – Dallas

11. Dallas Tamales Cafe – Grand Prairie
12. Chilito’s Express – Boerne
13. Campesino Coffee House – Houston
14. Reata – Fort Worth
15. Silva’s Mexican American Restaurant – Lake Dallas

16. La Nortena Tamale Factory – Pecos
17. Pepe’s Tamales – El Paso 
18. Las Tarascas – Katy
19. El Sunzal Restaurant – Austin
20. Julias Mexican Restaurant – Houston

21. Alamo Tamales To Go – Webster
22. HOT Tamales – Friendswood
23. Cielito Lindo Mexican Cuisine – Cedar Park
24. La Victoria – Dallas
25. Leal’s Tamale Factory – Lubbock

Looking for the top spots to enjoy tamales in your local metro? Check out the city-specific, data-driven Yelp Collections below – and give the Collections a follow!

Top tamales in Austin Collection
Top tamales in Dallas Collection
Top tamales in El Paso Collection
Top tamales in Fort Worth Collection
Top tamales in Houston Collection
Top tamales in San Antonio Collection

Methodology: This is an all-time list through December 1, 2021 of the top tamales in Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio, according to Yelp. We identified businesses in the restaurants and food categories, then ranked those spots using a number of factors including the total volume and ratings of reviews. When available, all businesses on the list have a passing health score as of December 1, 2021.